Do you think CPAP would be beneficial with lower AHI/RDI?

[tratledge]

I recently had an in-hospital sleep study. Results showed that my AHI was 2, and my RDI was 9.

I have been having excessive daytime sleepiness that resulted after some significant medical anxiety approximately 4 months ago. Been through CBT therapy, have great sleep hygiene and stimulus control now, and have tried doxepin and a few other sleep aides, but I am still experiencing the tiredness. Officially the diagnosis was "mild OSA" because I have an RDI between 5 and 15 with excessive daytime sleepiness, but insurance isn't going to cover a CPAP (I'll just have to eat the cost).

Does anyone have experience with numbers this low and had symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness that was helped or resolved by use of a CPAP machine? I've been waking up in the middle of the night 2-3x for over 10 years now, so perhaps this is something that's been long standing but just hasn't affected me until recently.

[Miss Emerita]

Hello, tratledge. Any chance you could post your sleep study (with your personal information redacted)? That might help the experts (not me) as they ponder your question.

In general, an RDI of 9 could mean you are getting knocked out of your sleep cycle repeatedly, which could certainly cause you to feel excessively tired during the day. Two "could"s there, so again, a look at the sleep study might help.

One question would be what kind of machine would be best for you if you decide to try PAP therapy. So that's another reason to want a peek at the sleep study, which might offer some clues.

[palerider]

I recently had an in-hospital sleep study. Results showed that my AHI was 2, and my RDI was 9.

I have been having excessive daytime sleepiness that resulted after some significant medical anxiety approximately 4 months ago. Been through CBT therapy, have great sleep hygiene and stimulus control now, and have tried doxepin and a few other sleep aides, but I am still experiencing the tiredness. Officially the diagnosis was "mild OSA" because I have an RDI between 5 and 15 with excessive daytime sleepiness, but insurance isn't going to cover a CPAP (I'll just have to eat the cost).

Does anyone have experience with numbers this low and had symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness that was helped or resolved by use of a CPAP machine? I've been waking up in the middle of the night 2-3x for over 10 years now, so perhaps this is something that's been long standing but just hasn't affected me until recently.

I'd give it a try, if only to get the RDI down, an RDI of 9 means your sleep is being interrupted... on average, every 7 minutes or so by some breathing issue.

[Jack Burton]

In addition to treating sleep apnea, the machine filters and humidifies the air.
My sinuses have given me way less grief since I started therapy.

[palerider]

In addition to treating sleep apnea, the machine filters and humidifies the air.
My sinuses have given me way less grief since I started therapy.

OY! no kidding!

[Hulk]

My AHI was also low ... but when I did my sleep study the Hypopneas area was like a barcode there were so many events.

I started using a CPAP and the instant change was amazing! One month in my AHI still fluctuates between 2-5 on average with the CPAP but I no longer spend the entire day fighting the urge to sleep. I literally cried the first morning I wore it when I woke up and was not tired for the first time in years.

So, if you have enough other symptoms of OSA but not a super high AHI its possible to benefit from a CPAP. Since your insurance will not cover it, is there any way you could borrow or test one out for a bit before investing in buying one?